Vegan Resorts to Eating Garnishes at Iron Fork

Vegans are optimists. How else would you describe people who think they can change the world simply by eating sprouts and abstaining from gummy bears? As one of these people, I decided to go to the New Times Iron Fork chef competition with an empty stomach, despite warnings from my co-workers that I shouldn't expect many vegan food options from the 56 restaurants, food trucks, and beverage vendors at the eating extravaganza.

When I walked in the gate, the first food peddler I saw was the Ms. Cheezious truck. Of course, I didn't expect to find anything vegan-friendly at a cheese-themed food truck, but I was proven wrong. The little cups of tomato soup they were doling out (but obviously not the grilled cheese sandwiches) were totally herbivorous. My optimism soared to new heights, and I prepared to encounter dozens more veggie options at the tables yet to come.

Next in line? A meatball food truck. OK, one for two. Third? A beef

taco truck. One for three. Well, I was sure to have better luck in the

garden area.

This is the first thing I saw when I got there:

The papaya salad at 2B Asian Bistro

Camille Lamb

Camille Lamb

The papaya salad at 2B Asian Bistro

​

A

colorful papaya salad! My heart sung. That is until I asked the

requisite question a vegan asks of any Thai restaurant. "Does it have

fish sauce in it?" Turns out it did. Okay, one for four.

The Beet Reporter tries to turn a garnish of fried leeks into an entree.

Ily Goyanes

Ily Goyanes

The Beet Reporter tries to turn a garnish of fried leeks into an entree.

​After a string of further strikeouts, I found some guacamole and chips at

options: gazpacho, hummus, and baba ganoush. I found myself desperately

doing shots of stewed eggplant before I knew it.

Then, when I had all but given up hope of finding a vegan entree, I got a sign. Not from God, but from the Cafe at Books & Books. It read "Grilled Tofu Taquitos."

The vegan-friendly tofu taquitos at Books and Books' table

Camille Lamb

Camille Lamb

The vegan-friendly tofu taquitos at Books and Books' table

​

I felt no shame in asking for seconds and thirds.

Even more thrilling were the butternut squash and chickpea-puree topped crisps at Bryan in the Kitchen. The sweet and savory treats win the award for the most unique vegan-friendly morsels of the night.

So

what were my final stats at the end of the four-hour event? Not

counting garnishes, I was able to eat stuff at five of the approximately

45 restaurant tables and food trucks. So for every nine vendors I

visited, I found one that had something vegan-friendly.

I'd

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